GECs
Big Magic dons a fresh new look
MUMBAI: Big Magic gets an all new look, reinforcing its vibrant, fun and light entertainment persona and in keeping with its tag line ‘chatpata har pal’.
The channel’s new packaging resonates with its programming mix which includes light relationship dramas, rom-coms, side-splitting sitcoms, blockbuster movies and now a unique historical comedy. With the new look going on air from the morning of 28 April viewers can look forward to a far more enriching television viewing experience.
Reliance Broadcast Network CEO Tarun Katial said in a statement, “As we consolidate our position with new, clutter breaking shows, we felt the need to align the packaging to reflect the channel philosophy. It is our endeavour to constantly enhance our product and viewer experience in keeping with audience and advertiser requirements.”
Embodying the channels philosophy of providing refreshing content the new packaging has been crafted after extensive research and audience feedback. With elements ranging from a colourful butterfly which unveils the lineup, to light streaks and gold dust and a Mediterranean colour palette, the packaging is unique and ties back to the light entertainment offering of the channel.
The channel is available across key DTH players ranging from Airtel, Videocon d2h, DD Free Dish, Dish TV and Reliance Digital TV to Hathway, Incable, Digicable, DEN, 7 Star, ABS, Siticable, Star Broadband and GTPL amongst others.
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
